The Oman Association for the Disabled’s (OAD) new Sohar Center funded by Sohar Aluminium was officially inaugurated by H.E. Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Shuhi, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. The building will enable and empower Sohar’s disabled community to lead healthy and enriched lives in a stimulating, caring and nurturing environment.
More than 350 people with disabilities along with their families will benefit from the center on a yearly basis. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to help them overcome intellectual and developmental challenges, become active members of society and improve their quality of life.
Eng. Said bin Mohamed Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, said, “Human capacity development is the foundation for progress and sustainable growth. We believe each member of society can play a role in advancing our nation and this new center is our contribution to breaking down barriers of disability and recognizing the unique and valuable contributions each person can make.”
Over the last decade, Sohar Aluminium has become a trusted leader, fostering strong and close ties with the surrounding communities where it operates. The company regularly identifies and addresses means to bring value, wealth, and prosperity to the Al Batinah region through a number of investments, sponsorships, awareness campaigns, charity drives and educational programs. It also supports and encourages employees to help by actively volunteering.
Mohammad Al Musalmi, Head of Administration Committee in the OAD Centre in Sohar, said on the occasion, “We are very grateful for Sohar Aluminium’s generous contributions to the welfare of society. The center is vital for creating a strong sense of community spirit and belonging. We are confident that it will greatly improve access and care while building a culture of inclusion.”
Dawood Salaman Al Shidi, Supervisor of the Centre, added, “This new facility will undoubtedly help shape the future of people living with disabilities in North Al Batinah. This center will be their home away from home where they can get the resources, support and guidance they need to reach their fullest potential.”
According to World Health Organization (WHO), over one billion people out of seven billion world population, live with some form of disability. This issue affects societies all over the world including Oman. This center in North of Al Batinah represents one of the best examples of cooperation between the public and private sectors and the local community to find successful solutions and better ways to deal with the social issues. The center demonstrates Sohar Aluminium’s deep-rooted commitment to maximizing positive socio-economic impact in community services.
About Sohar Aluminium
Sohar Aluminium was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman. It is jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto.